History Daily The Most Iconic Marilyn Monroe Photograph
Sep 15, 2025
Explore the remarkable transformation of Norma Jean into the dazzling Marilyn Monroe, a journey filled with ambition and identity. Discover the iconic subway grate scene from 'The Seven Year Itch,' forever immortalized by its unique backdrop and unexpected crowds. Dive into her tumultuous romance with Joe DiMaggio and uncover the volatility that surrounded Monroe's rise to fame. Delve into the challenges she faced while striving for respect as an actress and reflect on her legacy, marred by heartbreak yet shining brightly in Hollywood history.
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Subway-Grate Publicity Stunt
- On September 15, 1954, Marilyn Monroe filmed a staged publicity scene in NYC that included the famous subway-grate moment.
- Joe DiMaggio stormed off enraged when the crowd cheered her skirt-blowing moment, later contributing to their divorce.
Discovery In A Munitions Factory
- Photographer David Conover discovered 18-year-old Norma Jean working in a munitions factory and urged her to model.
- Norma Jean adopted the stage name Marilyn Monroe after studio executives suggested 'Marilyn' and she took her mother's maiden name Monroe.
Image Reinvention Sparked Stardom
- Norma Jean's career rose quickly but risked overexposure, prompting a deliberate reinvention with blonde hair.
- The studio-crafted name Marilyn Monroe and blonde image helped reposition her for Hollywood stardom.
